Ellis James Austin

Ellis James Austin was born on April 15, 1935 in Sargent, Texas to the late Neal and Allinor Austin. He was one of seventeen children. He is survived by one brother, Herman Austin, and one sister, Johnnie Thomas. He attended school in Van Vleck, Texas. Ellis accepted Christ at an early age at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Bay City, Texas.

On April 2, 1962, Ellis was united in holy matrimony to Bonnie Austin. To this union was born three children: Kelvin Austin, Karen Austin and Kennard Austin. This year they celebrated 53 years of marriage.

Ellis joined the United States Army in April, 1957. He completed his basic

training in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas and Airborne Training in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During thirty years of service, Ellis had two tours of duty in Germany and two tours in Vietnam. At Fort Benning, Georgia, he was an Airborne Instructor for twelve years and was rated a master parachutist with over five hundred jumps. Ellis was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star for Valor and the Combat Infantrymen’s Badge. He was assigned as an Army Recruiter for four years in Bay City, responsible for three counties. He was a member of the Kiwanis of Bay City and Post Commander of the Veterans of

Foreign Wars in Bay City, Texas and Founding Member and Vice President for Veterans for Change in Austin, Texas. Ellis retired after thirty years of service as a Sergeant Major.

Deacon Ellis Austin was a faithful and devoted member of Corinth Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Gary M. Renfro and the late Rev. L. Wilson. During his membership, he served in many leadership roles: Chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School Superintendent, Head of Pastoral Search Committee and CMBC Financial Manager. Deacon Austin was also a Sunday School Teacher, member of Brotherhood ministry and Male Chorus, and served as liaison for the Junior Mission Auxiliary.

Ellis leaves to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife, Bonnie Austin; two sons, Minister Kelvin Austin (Rhonda) and Kennard Austin (Joyce); one daughter, Karen Austin; two grandsons, Marcus Austin and Rodney “DJ” White (Samantha); four granddaughters, Natasha Austin, Darian Austin, Shante White and Brittany White; three great-grandchildren , Kaylee Steen, Elaisha White and Emanee White; one sister, Johnnie Thomas; one brother, Herman Austin; three brother-in-laws, David Moore (Vera), Chester Moore (Sylvia), and Charles Moore (Catherine); and a host of relatives and friends.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23:6